Journalists trained on digital economy, trade union reform

Gambia Press Union (GPU) in collaboration
with International Federation for Journalists (IFJ), on Saturday concluded a
two-day training on digital economy, trade union reform and youth recruitment
for Gambian journalists.

Sixteen journalists from print, electronic
and online media outlets participated in the training which was held at the
Football Hotel in Yundum, aimed at mapping out ways for GPU in its digital
economy crusade.

At
the end of the seminar, GPU leadership developed ideas on the form of reforms
they need; be it legal or institutional to accommodate the teeming number of
young people in the digital media economy as members.

International Federation for Journalists
acting director of Africa Office Pa Louis Thomasi said the training will help
to deliberate on issues that have somehow threaten the journalism profession
and industry, noting that even if some people believe that what is happening in
the media and journalism landscape is not a crisis.

He however reminded GPU leaders that as
custodians of information and trade unions, they must be ready to accept the
fact that with the advent of the internet there has been a shift in the
paradigm which has registered a profound impact on the representative
journalists union as they struggle to adapt their services and strategies to
organise and protect journalist in the digital economy.

Mr. Thomasi called on African journalist
unions to revisit their strategies by conducting research on the needs and
aspirations of young journalists in particular if their unions are to be
successfully adapted and attract future generations.

He noted that the objective of the training
is to strengthen the GPU reform’s and adapt to the changing economic structures
of the media and information sector.

President of GPU Sheriff Bojang Junior said
the program is designed to expose Gambian journalists to digital economy, trade
union reform and youth recruitment to the union.

He said GPU will continue its crusade to
develop capacity of the country’s journalists, noting that the Union will give
every journalist equal opportunity in terms of benefits.

Mr. Bojang tasked participants to always
reflect on training in their work at their respective media houses, while
calling on Gambian journalists to become members of Gambia Press Union.

Saikou Jammeh, GPU Secretary General said
the training was part of their mandate to develop and build the capacity of its
members, adding that the Union’s objective is to safeguard and strengthen the
interest, right and welfare of its members amongst others.